Cup holder

ABSTRACT

A cup holder capable of being moved from a housed position to a pulled-out position includes a holder, a peripheral-holding portion, an arm, a first spring member, and a second spring member. The arm is movable relative to the holder, and forms and define a container-retaining hole whose size is variable between the peripheral-holding portion and the arm. The first spring member moves the arm in a direction wherein the retaining hole is reduced against an urging force, and moves the arm in a direction wherein the retaining hole is expanded with an urging force. The second spring member acts on a tip of the arm, and in the pulled-out position of the holder, controls a variable amount of the arm against an urging force of the first spring member. Accordingly, the second spring member can elastically retain the arm in a prior use condition.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND RELATED ART STATEMENT

The present invention relates to, in particular, a pullout cup holder sliding backward and forward relative to a case, for a cup holder equipped inside an automobile, train, ship, and so on.

The pullout cup holder is built into an interior wall or console of the automobile and so on, and used by a passenger in order to insert and retain a container and so on by pulling out the pullout cup holder as needed. Since the pullout cup holder is housed when it is not used, the pullout cup holder is superior in terms of effective use of interior space. As an example, FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b) show the prior art cup holder described in Japanese Utility Model Publication (Jikkai) No. S61-185629.

The cup holder includes: a holder 52 switchable from a pulled-out position to a housed position by sliding backward and forward relative to a housed space 51 of a case 50 (console side); a peripheral-holding portion 53 provided in the holder 52, penetrated up and down, opened in a side portion, and retainable around the container; an arm (holding member) 55 assembled to be movable relative to the holder 52, and forming and dividing a container-retaining hole 54 whose size is variable between the peripheral-holding portion 53 and the arm 55; and a spring member 58 urging the arm 55; and a bottom-supporting member 60 additionally provided in the holder 52, and receiving a bottom face of a container C which is fitted into the retaining hole 54.

Among these members, the holder 52 forms a space opening alongside within the thickness, and the arm 55 is moved in and out relative to the space. The arm 55 has a size entirely fittable within the space, and the base end of the arm 55 is pivoted through a tube placed in upper and lower screws 56 and inside the space relative to the corresponding portion of the holder 52, and engaging each screw. A tip of the arm 55 is placed within the space to be freely slidable. The spring member 58 is a coil spring, and one end is locked in the corresponding portion of the holder 52, and the other end is locked in the corresponding portion of the arm 55 in a state wherein the spring member 58 is wound around the tube.

The above-mentioned arm 55 is in a prior use condition wherein the arm 55 is not urged with the spring member 58 when the holder 52 is in the pulled-out position shown in FIG. 9(a). When the arm 55 is turned in a direction of the arrow A or B in FIG. 9(a), the arm 55 is urged with the spring member 58. In the prior use condition of the arm 55, when the container C is retained, the arm 55 is turned in the direction of the arrow A against an urging force of the spring member 58. After the size of the diameter of the retaining hole 54 is expanded until the container C can penetrate, the container C is penetrated into the retaining hole 54 whose diameter is expanded as shown in FIG. 9(b). Then, the bottom face of the container C is received by the bottom-supporting member 60, and the periphery of the container C is pushed by the arm 55 urged in the direction of the arrow B. Accordingly, the container C is retained between the peripheral-holding portion 53 and the arm 55 without wobbling.

When the container C is pulled out of the retaining hole 54 from the above-mentioned state, the arm 55 is urged with the spring member 58 and turned, and returned to the prior use condition in FIG. 9(a). Also, the holder 52 is pushed into the housed space 51, and switched to the housed position. At this time, the arm 55 is widely turned in the direction of the arrow B against an urging force of the spring member 58, and housed in the space of the holder 52.

In the above-mentioned cup holder, the container C is placed between the peripheral-holding portion 53 and the arm 55, and pushed by the arm 55 urged in a direction wherein the retaining hole 54 is reduced. Accordingly, even if the container has a different external diameter, the container can be retained without wobbling. However, in this structure, the arm 55 does not receive an urging force by the spring member 58 as long as the arm 55 is not turned in the direction of the arrow A or B from the prior use condition in FIG. 9(a). Thus, the arm can be easily wobbled due to oscillation of an auto body and so on in the prior use condition in FIG. 9(a). Also, in this structure, when the spring member 58 acts on the base end of the arm 55, and turns the arm in two directions of the arrows A and B, the spring member 58 stores urging pressure, respectively. For example, within a turning range of the arm 55, when the turning range in the direction of the arrow A is set large, the urging force becomes needlessly large, or it is hard to maintain an appropriate pushing force relative to the periphery of the container. In addition, in design, there is demand, for example, for being more downsized by devising a compact movement path of the arm.

Consequently, an object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems by providing a simple structure, and to provide improved usability.

Further objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description of the invention and the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to achieve the above-described objects, a cup holder according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a holder, an arm, an urging means, a first spring member, and a second spring member. The holder can be switched from a pulled-out position to a housed position relative to a case, and includes a peripheral-holding portion penetrated up and down, opened in a side portion, and that can retain a container. The arm is assembled to be movable relative to the holder, and forms and divides a container-retaining hole whose size is variable between the peripheral-holding portion and the arm.

The urging means urges the arm, and can change the arm in a direction wherein the retaining hole is reduced against an urging force in the course of switching the holder in the direction of the housed position by acting on a base end of the arm.

Also, when the holder is switched in the direction of the pulled-out position, the first spring member changes the arm in the direction wherein the retaining hole is expanded with an urging force. The second spring member acts on a tip of the arm, and in the pulled-out position of the holder, the second spring member controls a variable amount of the arm against an urging force of the first spring member (i.e., overcomes an urging force of the first spring member). Accordingly, the second spring member can retain the arm in a prior use condition, and change the arm in a direction wherein the retaining hole is expanded against an urging force.

In a first aspect of the above-described invention, the arm is assembled to be movable relative to the holder, and divides the container-retaining hole whose size is variable between the peripheral-holding portion on the holder side and the arm. Especially, the arm is controlled by the first spring member acting on the base end and the second spring member acting on the tip. As a result, the arm can optimally receive: an urging force when the arm is turned in the direction of the prior use condition; an urging force when the arm is maintained in the prior use condition; and an urging force when the periphery of the container is pushed in the state wherein the container is retained.

Also, in the structure, the second spring member is a coil spring, and is placed in a depression for installation provided on the tip of the arm. In a second aspect of the invention, one end of the second spring member is locked in the tip of the arm, and the other end of the second spring member is extended outside the depression for installation, and locked in a corresponding portion on the holder side to be able to separate in the prior use condition.

The first spring member is a coil spring. In a third aspect of the invention, the base end of the arm of the first spring member includes the depression for installation which places the first spring member, and is pivoted to be turnable relative to an axial hole provided on the holder side through an axial portion.

As indicated above, the first spring member is a coil spring. In a fourth aspect of the invention, the base end of the arm includes the depression for installation which places the first spring member, and is fitted into a groove provided on the holder side through the axial portion to be turnable and slidable.

In a fifth aspect of the invention, the tip of the arm is preferably fitted into a long groove provided on the corresponding portion of the holder side through the axial portion to be slidable.

The above-described invention has the following effects. In the invention according to the first aspect, a variable amount of the arm (direction wherein the retaining hole is expanded) is controlled by the second spring member against an urging force of the first spring member in the pulled-out position of the holder, and the arm is retained in the prior use condition. Accordingly, the invention can solve wobbling due to oscillation and so on in the prior use condition. Also, compared to a conventional structure, even if a turning range of the arm in a direction wherein the retaining hole is expanded from the prior use condition is set large, an appropriate pushing force relative to peripheries of various containers with different external diameters can be easily maintained.

In the invention according to the second aspect, the second spring member is assembled to the depression on the tip of the arm, and the other end of the second spring member is abutted against the corresponding portion on the holder side in the pulled-out position of the holder. Accordingly, the arm can be retained in the prior use condition against an urging force of the first spring member, or can be changed in a direction wherein the retaining hole is expanded against an urging force of the second spring member.

In the invention according to the third aspect, the first spring member is assembled to the depression on the base end of the arm. When the holder is switched in the direction of the housed position or pulled-out position, the arm can turn in a direction wherein the retaining hole is reduced or expanded as a supporting point of the axial hole wherein the arm is fitted.

In the invention according to the fourth aspect, compared to the structure of the third aspect, the base end of the arm is also slid along the groove, so that, for example, setting of the arm relative to the holder and so on can be freely designed, and the invention can be easily downsized.

In the invention according to the fifth aspect, the tip of the arm is transferred along the long groove, so that switching operations of the arm can be improved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the frame format of a cup holder according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view showing the cup holder illustrated in FIG. 1 wherein the holder is pulled out;

FIG. 3 is a top view showing the cup holder illustrated in FIG. 1 wherein the holder is pulled halfway out;

FIG. 4 is a partially cut structural view showing the relationship between the holder and an arm illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5(a) is a top view of the holder and arm; FIG. 5(b) is a side view of the holder and arm; and FIG. 5(c) is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 5(c)-5(c) in FIG. 5(a);

FIG. 6 is a structural view showing a frame format of substantial parts of a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b) show a relationship between the holder and arm illustrated in FIG. 6, wherein FIG. 7(a) is a top view showing a prior use condition of the arm; and FIG. 7(b) is a top view showing the arm displaced in a direction wherein a retaining hole is maximally expanded;

FIG. 8 shows the relationship between the holder and arm as illustrated in FIG. 6, and is a top view showing the arm displaced in a direction wherein the retaining hole is reduced, assuming a housed position of the holder; and

FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b) are pattern diagrams showing different conditions of a conventional structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention will be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIGS. 1-5(a), 5(b), and 5(c) show a cup holder according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 7(a), 7(b), and 8 show a cup holder according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, a structure according to the first embodiment of the invention, its operation, and a structure according to the second embodiment of the invention, are described in order.

The structure of a cup holder according to the first embodiment of the invention includes: a case 1 whose front is open; a holder 2 slidable back and forth relative to the case 1 and switchable from a pulled-out position to a housed position; a peripheral-holding portion 22 provided in the holder 2, and retainable around a container; an arm 3 assembled to be movable relative to the holder 2, and forming and dividing a container-retaining hole 28 whose size is variable between the peripheral-holding portion 22 and the arm 3; bottom-supporting members 4 additionally provided to be turnable up and down relative to the holder 2, and receiving the bottom face of the container fitted into the retaining hole 28; a first spring member 5 acting on the base end of the arm 3; and a second spring member 6 acting on the tip of the arm 3. In addition, the cup holder is designed to be installed near an instrument panel of an automobile or a connecting portion of a center console and instrument panel; however, the cup holder may be installed in an interior wall or various consoles and so on.

The case 1 is divided in a container pattern whose front and back sides are open by a resin main body 10 on the upside and a metal lower supporting member 15 on the downside. The case 1 is placed in a state wherein the front opening of the case 1 is exposed relative to an installation portion. The main body 10 is divided by a top face 11 and a connecting portion connecting the lower front side among both side faces 12. Angles of the top face 11 and each side face 12 are formed in taper portions 13 a. Also, the angles are formed in such a way that one side halfway between the two halves of the forward edge of the top face 11 is formed in an arc edge 13 b. The arc edge 13 b has about the same curvature as an arc of the peripheral-holding portion 22 on the holder side as will hereinafter be described. The top face 11 includes: a depression 11 a extending anteroposteriorly (i.e., from front to back along top face 11); an elastic locking claw 11 b located at the rear of the depression 11 a and mounted on the installation portion side; and a guide groove 14 anteroposteriorly extending on the inner face.

Correspondingly, the lower supporting member 15 consists of a lower face 16 and both-side faces 17. Each side face 17 is disposed on the inside of corresponding side faces 12 of the main body 10 and fixed by screws 19, or the lower supporting member 15 is united with the main body 10 in a state wherein the front part of the lower face 16 is fixed on the connecting portion by screws not shown in the figures. Each side face 17 includes a guide groove 18 extending anteroposteriorly on the inner face.

The holder 2 is assembled to be slidable back and forth relative to the case 1, and can be switched from the pulled-out position wherein the holder 2 is slid forward to the housed position wherein the holder 2 is slid backward. Although details are omitted in the drawings, the holder 2 is practically locked by a locking mechanism against the urging force of an urging means in the housed position. When the locking is unlocked, the holder 2 is automatically slid and switched to the pulled-out position with the urging force of the urging means. In FIGS. 5(a)-5(c), a heart-shaped cam 25 c facilitates locking and unlocking a trace pin composing a part of the locking mechanism (not shown in the figures).

Also, the holder 2 includes a cosmetic cover 29 placed on the front of a main portion 20 and closing the front opening of the case 1. As shown in FIG. 4 and FIGS. 5(a)-5(c), the main portion 20 includes: projections 21 projected on both side faces and fitted into the guide groove 18 of the case side; the arc peripheral-holding portion 22 penetrated up and down, opened in the side portion, and retainable around the container; a front space 23 provided within the thickness right before a front wall wherein the cover 29 is placed, and opening for the peripheral-holding portion 22 side; and a back space 24 provided within the thickness right before a back wall, and opening for the corresponding portion and peripheral-holding portion 22 side. In the projections 21, one side is continued back and forth and the other side is notched by the peripheral-holding portion 22 and formed as front and forth portions. The peripheral-holding portion 22 is set with the curvature corresponding to the largest diameter of the surrounding container of assumable containers.

The front space 23 is divided by opposed inside faces 23 a and front inner end faces. Also, the anteroposterior (i.e., front to back) size of the side whose side portion is open is shorter than that of the side whose side portion is not open.

The back space 24 is located on the back side of the main portion 20. As shown in FIG. 5(c), an axial hole 20 a is formed and penetrated coaxially into upper and lower walls dividing the back space 24. A projection 25 a is provided on the upper surface of the back side of the main portion 20, and is fitted into the guide groove 14 of the case side. Elastic claws 25 b are provided near both sides of the back of the main portion 20. The elastic claws 25 b are abutted against the corresponding portions within the case 1, and control the pulled-out position wherein the holder 2 is maximally pulled out of the case 1. Pivoted portions 25 d for the bottom-supporting members 4 are provided on the back end side of the main portion 20, and are divided by projecting pieces on both sides.

In the holder 2, the arm 3 is disposed between the front space 23 and back space 24, and the bottom-supporting members 4 are attached to the pivoted portion 25 d to be turnable up and down. First, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the bottom-supporting members 4 consist of: a receiving portion 40 receiving the bottom face of the container; and an arm portion 41 connected to the receiving portion 40 and projecting diagonally back-upward. The upper end of the arm portion 41 is pivoted relative to the pivoted portion 25 d through a pin 42. Also, the bottom-supporting members 4 are turned and urged in a downward direction wherein the entire part is a used position by a coil-shaped spring member 43 placed in the axial rotation of the pin 42. The bottom-supporting members 4 are turned within the peripheral-holding portion 22 from the downside of the holder 2 against the urging force of the spring member 43 in a process wherein the holder 2 is pushed into the case 1 from the pulled-out position wherein the holder 2 is pulled out of the case 1.

As shown in FIG. 4, the arm 3 integrally includes: an arc portion 30; a depression 31 provided on the back base end side of the arc portion 30; and a depression 33 provided on the tip side of the arc portion 30. The arc portion 30 is formed in an arc which is almost equal to the arc of the peripheral-holding portion 22, and placed between the front space 23 and the back space 24. A rib 30 a for sliding is provided on the top surface of the arc portion 30. The rib 30 a reduces resistance, for example, when the holder 2 is line-contacted with the top surface of the case in a process wherein the holder 2 is pushed into the case 1, and the arm 3 is slid into the peripheral-holding portion 22. However, in another embodiment of the invention, the rib 30 a can be omitted.

The depression 31 forms: an opening 31 a wherein one part of surrounding walls dividing inside the depression is notched; an axial portion 32 projected at the center inside the depression; and an axial portion 32 a provided underneath the same axial line as the axial portion 32 from the bottom face of the depression. In the depression 31, the first spring member 5 is placed. The first spring member 5 is a coil spring, and the middle twisting portion of the coil spring is placed at the axial portion 32. At the same time, the one end 5 a is locked in the corresponding portion of the opening 31 a, and the other end 5 b is projected outward from the opening 31 a.

After this process, in a state wherein the first spring member 5 is set in the depression 31, the depression 31 on the base end side of the arm 3 is pushed into the back space 24, and fitted into the axial holes 20 a corresponding to the up and down axial portions 32, 32 a. As a result, the arm 3 is pivoted on the holder 2 to be turnable. After that, the arm 3 is turned and urged to the outward separating from the peripheral-holding portion 22 by being latched and locked in the back end side of the holder 2 while the other end 5 b of the first spring member 5 generates an urging force.

The depression 33 forms: an opening 33 a wherein one part of the surrounding walls dividing inside the depression is notched; an axial portion 34 projected at the center inside the depression; and a slit 33 b provided directly underneath the surrounding walls dividing inside the depression, and communicated with the opening 33 a. In the depression 33, the second spring member 6 is placed. The second spring member 6 is the coil spring, and the middle twisting portion of the coil spring is placed at the axial portion 34. At the same time, the one end 6 a is locked in the corresponding portion of the opening 33 a, and the other end 6 b is projected outward from the opening 33 a through the slit 33 b while the second spring member 6 generates an urging force.

In this structure, the arm 3 is pivoted on the holder 2 through the fit of the axial portions 32, 32 a and axial holes 20 a. At the same time, the arm 3 is turned in the direction wherein the container-retaining hole 28 formed between the peripheral-holding portion 22 and the arc portion 30 are enlarged or expanded in diameters by the first spring member 5.

The following describes the operation of the cup holder. The cup holder can be slid and switched from the pulled-out position wherein the holder 2 is pulled out of the case 1 with a guide by the fit of the guide grooves 14, 18 and projections 25 a, 21 to the housed position pushed into the case 1.

FIG. 2 shows a state wherein the holder 2 is switched to the pulled-out position. In this state, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5(a)-5(c), the arm 3 is turned outward with an urging force of the first spring member 5 on the base end side; however, the second spring member 6 on the forefront side allows the other end 6 b to abut against the inside face 23 a wherein the front space 23 corresponds. Accordingly, the arm 3 is retained in the prior use condition in FIGS. 4 and 5(a)-5(c). In other words, in the prior use condition, in the pulled-out position of the holder 2, the second spring member 6 controls a variable amount of the arm 3 against an urging force of the first spring member 5 acting on the base end of the arm, and the arm 3 is elastically retained (an elastic retention of the other end 6 b of the second spring member 6 overcomes the urging force of the first spring member 5).

Consequently, in this structure, in the prior use condition, the arm 3 is stably retained without wobbling even due to the oscillation of an auto body and so on. The advantage of this structure is that the arm 3 does not unpreparedly wobble due to the oscillation of the auto body and so on. In addition, for example, when the container whose outside diameter is smaller than the retaining hole 28 at the time of the prior use condition is inserted into the retaining hole 28, placed on the receiving portion 40 of the bottom-supporting members 4, and retained, the structure allows the container not to unpreparedly move even if the periphery of the container lightly hits the arm 3.

The arm 3 shown by the solid line in FIG. 1 (shown by the dashed line in FIG. 2) is in a state turned in a direction wherein the retaining hole 28 is expanded by loading outward from the inside of the arm 3 when the container not shown in the figures is inserted into the retaining hole. In this structure, when the arm 3 is turned in a direction expanding the retaining hole 28 from the prior use condition, the arm 3 is turned while storing an urging force on the other end 6 b of the second spring member 6 locked into the inside faces 23 a, or against the urging force of the other end 6 b. The container is put into the expanded retaining hole 28 and received in the receiving portion 40 of the bottom-supporting members 4. Consequently, the arm 3 is turned in the direction of the prior use condition by an urging force stored in the second spring member 6, and abutted against the periphery of the container by an appropriate pushing force. As a result, the container can be retained without wobbling between the peripheral-holding portion 22 and the arm 3.

FIG. 3 shows a state wherein the holder 2 is on the way to being pulled out or housed. In this state, the arm 3 is turned in the direction wherein the retaining hole 28 is reduced against the urging force of the first spring member 5, i.e., into an arc of the peripheral-holding portion 22, as supporting points of the axial portions 32, 32 a by stress received from the internal surface wherein the case 1 corresponds. Due to the turning of the arm 3, the other end 6 b of the second spring member 6 is separated from the inside faces 23 a, and moved to an optional position inside the front space 23. Even if the second spring member 6 is in the above-mentioned state, the second spring member 6 is built into the depression 33 in the state of generating an urging force, so that the second spring member 6 could not be unpreparedly come off the depression 33. In addition, in the state in FIG. 3, the bottom-supporting members 4 are turned upward as a supporting point of the pin 42 against an urging force of the spring member 43, and fit into the space formed between the peripheral-holding portion 22 and the arm 3.

The following two differences distinguish the second embodiment of the invention from the above-described first embodiment of the invention. The first difference is that the base end of the arm 3 is fitted into a groove 26 a provided on the corresponding portion of the holder 2 to be turnable and slidable through the axial portions 32 a. The second difference is that the tip of the arm 3 is fitted into a long groove 26 b provided on the corresponding portion of the holder 2 through an axial portion 34 a to be slidable. Otherwise, the second embodiment and the above-mentioned structure is substantively the same. Thus, hereinafter, duplicate descriptions are omitted and only changes are described using the same symbols for the same members and parts as the first embodiment. In addition, FIG. 6 shows a frame format partly omitted in order to be easily understandable.

Incidentally, the arm 3 includes the axial portion 34 a provided underneath on the same axial line as the axial portion 34 from the bottom face of the depression 33 compared to the first embodiment. The holder 2 includes: the guiding long groove 26 b provided on the undersurface dividing the front space 23 and fitting into the axial portion 34 a to be freely slidable; and the guiding groove 26 a provided on the undersurface dividing the back space 24 and fitting into the axial portion 32 a to be freely slidable. Here, the groove 26 a and long groove 26 b can be provided on the upper surface and the undersurface dividing the front space 23 and back space 24, and fitted into the upper end of the corresponding axial portion 34 and the upper end of the axial portion 32 which are slightly lengthened. Also, a boss portion 27 b is provided on the front space 23 for exclusive use of locking the other end 6 b of the second spring member 6. A boss portion 27 a is provided on the back space 24 for exclusive use of locking the other end 5 b of the first spring member 5.

In the above-described structure, the groove 26 a is fitted onto the axial portion 32 a, and the base end side of the arm 3 can be slid in a width direction of the holder 2. Also, the long groove 26 b is fitted onto the axial portion 34 a, and the tip of the arm 3 can be slid in a width direction of the holder 2. In other words, FIG. 7(a) shows the pulled-out position wherein the holder 2 is pulled out of the case 1 (not shown in the figures). In this state, the arm 3 is in the above-mentioned prior use position. Specifically, the arm 3 is turned in a direction wherein the retaining hole 28 is expanded by an urging force of the first spring member 5. However, the second spring member 6 controls a variable amount of the arm 3 against an urging force of the first spring member 5, and the arm 3 is elastically retained (i.e., an elastic retention of the other end 6 b of the second spring member 6 locked in the boss portion 27 b overcomes the urging force of the first spring member 5).

FIG. 7(b) shows a state wherein the arm 3 is pressed in a direction wherein the retaining hole 28 is maximally expanded when the container (not shown in the figure) is inserted into the retaining hole 28. In other words, on the base end side of the depression 31 of the arm 3, the axial portion 32 a is slid from one end (between the two halves of the holder 2) of the groove to the other end (side portion side of the holder 2) along the groove 26 a. Also, while storing the urging force for a return in the other end 5 b of the first spring member 5 locked in the boss portion 27 a, the arm 3 is turned in the direction wherein the retaining hole 28 is expanded by the urging force of the first spring member 5.

At the same time, on the tip side of the depression 33, the axial portion 34 a is slid to the other end (side portion side of the holder 2) of the long groove along the long groove 26 b. Also, while storing the urging force for a return in the other end 6 b of the second spring member 6 locked in the boss portion 27 b, the arm 3 is slid in the direction wherein the retaining hole 28 is expanded.

Thus, in the structure, compared to the first embodiment, the arm 3 is slid in a width direction of the holder 2 with the base end and tip, so that, for example, the container can be further stably retained between the arm 3 and the peripheral-holding portion 22 by conforming the retaining hole 28 to an ideal perfect circle. Also, the arm 3 is slid along the groove 26 a and the long groove 26 b, so that the sliding characteristic can be excellent.

FIG. 8 shows a frame format of the housed position of the holder wherein the holder 2 is pushed into the case (not shown in the figure). In this housed position, in the base end side of the depression 31 of the arm 3, the axial portion 32 a is slid to the one end (between the two halves of the holder 2) of the groove 26 a by stress or loading received from the internal surface 17 a on the case side. Then, the arm 3 is turned in the direction wherein the retaining hole 28 is reduced against the urging force of the first spring member 5. At the same time, on the tip of the depression 33, the axial portion 34 a is slid to the one end (between the two halves of the holder 2) of the long groove 26 b, and the other end 6 b of the second spring member 6 is alienated from the boss portion 27 b.

The present invention is not limited to only the above-described embodiments. The present invention can be variously transformed except for the requirement that the case be such that the holder can be moved in and out. Also, it is contemplated that the cup holder can be easily used in a variety of conditions and locations, such as, for example, the housed space formed on the installation side of the console as shown in prior art FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b).

The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2004-284838 filed on Sep. 29, 2004, is incorporated herein. 

1. A cup holder comprising: a holder movable from a housed position to a pulled-out position relative to a case for housing said holder, said holder comprising a peripheral-holding portion penetrated in an up and down direction and having an open side portion capable of retaining a container; an arm configured to be movable relative to said holder and having a base end and a tip end, said arm forming and defining a container-retaining hole having a size variable between said peripheral-holding portion and said arm; and urging means for urging said arm, comprising a first spring member acting on the base end of said arm, for allowing said arm to move in a direction wherein said retaining hole is reduced against an urging force of the first spring member when moving said holder in the direction of said housed position, and for moving said arm in a direction wherein said retaining hole is expanded with the urging force when said holder is moved in the direction of said pulled-out position; and a second spring member acting on the tip end of said arm, and in said pulled-out position, controlling a variable amount of said arm against said urging force of said first spring member for retaining said arm in a prior use condition, and for moving said arm in a direction wherein said retaining hole is expanded against an urging force of the second spring.
 2. A cup holder according to claim 1, wherein said second spring member is a coil member, disposed in an installation depression provided on said arm tip end, and having a first end locked in said arm tip, and a second end extending outside said depression and capable of engaging with a corresponding portion on a side of said holder so as to separate in said prior use condition.
 3. A cup holder according to claim 1, wherein said arm base end has an installation depression; and said first spring member is a coil member disposed in the installation depression of the arm base end, and is pivoted to be turnable relative to an axial hole provided on said holder through an axial portion.
 4. A cup holder according to claim 1, wherein said holder further comprises a groove disposed on a holder side; and said first spring member is a coil member disposed in an installation depression provided on said arm base end, said first spring member being pivoted to be turnable relative to an axial hole provided on said holder side through an axial portion, and being fitted into said groove through said axial portion to be slidable relative to said groove.
 5. A cup holder according to claim 1, wherein said holder further comprises a long groove for accommodating said arm tip end on a corresponding portion of a holder side, said arm tip end being fitted into said long groove through an axial portion, to be slidable thereto.
 6. A cup holder according to claim 2, wherein said holder includes a side wall or boss portion so that the second end engages the side wall or boss portion.
 7. A cup holder according to claim 1, further comprising a receiving portion rotatably attached to the holder for supporting the cup thereon. 